Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Lamictal Improve The Speed Of Thinking And Reasoning?
Question: Hello, can Lamictal make you feel like your on speed? I used to not have any energy at all when I was on depakote and now my mind is quicker to think and I have nonstop energy. Is this normal? I'm thinking this is how I should be but it's hard to get used to after being slow on depakote for so many years. Thank you!
Brief Answer:
May help by treating depression. Depakote interruption may influence also.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand you feeling puzzled in front of this new way of feeling.
Lamictal in itself doesn't increase your energy levels or speed of thinking. Given your history I believe there are two possible explanations to your new state. One would be that the Depakote you had been on was responsible for you feeling more apathetic, somnolent, slower than you are supposed to be. So once this side effect of the drug was removed you feel this way.
The other explanation would be that Lamictal helped by improving depression. It is commonly used to treat depressive episodes in bipolar disorder. Depression can lead to low energy levels, lack of enthusiasm in doing things, slowed thinking, so when it is addressed it may lead to the improvement you describe.
Of course it may be a combination of the two possibilities together, not necessarily one or the other.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
May help by treating depression. Depakote interruption may influence also.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand you feeling puzzled in front of this new way of feeling.
Lamictal in itself doesn't increase your energy levels or speed of thinking. Given your history I believe there are two possible explanations to your new state. One would be that the Depakote you had been on was responsible for you feeling more apathetic, somnolent, slower than you are supposed to be. So once this side effect of the drug was removed you feel this way.
The other explanation would be that Lamictal helped by improving depression. It is commonly used to treat depressive episodes in bipolar disorder. Depression can lead to low energy levels, lack of enthusiasm in doing things, slowed thinking, so when it is addressed it may lead to the improvement you describe.
Of course it may be a combination of the two possibilities together, not necessarily one or the other.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much Doctor. That really relieves my worries. I have not had this much energy since I was young. And I'm only taking the Lamictal and not the Depakote. Thank you again for calming my worries. Have a wonderful evening.
Brief Answer:
Thank you.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you, glad to have been of help. You still should mention this to your psychiatrist in your next visit. It is great that your are feeling this renewed energy, but beware given your bipolar diagnosis that it is not accompanied by issues such as lack of sleep, over self confidence and risky decisions etc, which might indicate there is a manic episode at play.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Thank you.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you, glad to have been of help. You still should mention this to your psychiatrist in your next visit. It is great that your are feeling this renewed energy, but beware given your bipolar diagnosis that it is not accompanied by issues such as lack of sleep, over self confidence and risky decisions etc, which might indicate there is a manic episode at play.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
